What made you decide on purchasing an Elecraft transceiver?

[Jim Brown-10]

On 2/21/2011 10:35 PM, David Herring wrote:
> There were three things that pushed me over the top to buy a K3:

MOST IMPORTANT: I'm a serious contester, and I have close-in neighbors
who are also serious contesters. Coexisting during a contest DEMANDS a
receiver with great strong signal handling and great selectivity, and a
transmitter that puts out as little trash as possible.  All but one of
those close-in neighbors uses a K3, and the guy who doesn't gives the
rest of us lots of trash.

Secondary reasons:

The cost of the K3, rigged out the way I want to use it, is half the
cost of any rig that comes close to those "good neighbor" qualities.

The size and weight of the K3 is half that of other rigs. That gives me
far more room on my operating desk, and makes it much easier (and
cheaper) to drag my rig on an airplane. W0YK regularly drags two K3s as
carry-ons to Aruba for contests, using Rose Kopp's very nice cases.

The excellent long-term performance of Elecraft in support of their
products, and their responsiveness to user input in upgrading firmware
to do more things, and do them in a more user-friendly way.

The user-friendliness of the operating controls. Virtually everything
you need to do to operate the rig is on front panel knobs and buttons.
Yes, there are lots of things on menus, but they are all set-up
functions, not things you would do as part of operating the rig.  In
addition, there are "soft keys" -- front panel buttons to which any
menu-setting can be assigned. I use one of them to turn the internal
speaker on and off. In two years of very active use, I haven't figured
out anything I needed the second button to do.

A very nice array of built-in audio DSP functions, including EQ for both
TX and RX, RF peak-limiting on transmit, and gated noise reduction. This
yields excellent, very competitive and clean audio, and eliminates the
need for external boxes to do these things.

Internal circuitry that can be set to take CW and PTT from the RS232
port, without the need for external adapters or circuitry. Again,
something less to carry, or to sit on the desk.

The ability to buy the functional options that I need, or can afford,
and add others if and when I want to or can come up with the money to do
so. I have the second RX in one of my three K3s, and plan to add it to
another one. The last K3 I bought used from a fellow member of this
list, without an antenna tuner. Since I mostly drive amps and have five
Ten Tec tuners,  I rarely need the tuner.  It's great that there's a
state of the art internal transverter for 2M, but I don't need one. it's
great that there's an option to use the K3 as a full coverage RX, and I
bought that option for one of my K3s.

Although it didn't enter into my purchasing decision because it wasn't
announced at the time, I LOVE the P3. It is VERY useful for contesting,
for DX-chasing, and for documenting and chasing RFI sources.

BTW -- my last FT1000MP is for sale, de-clicked, with roofing filter,
and fully loaded with Inrad filters in every slot for both CW and SSB. I
had been hanging onto it as a spare.  It's twice the size and weight of
a K3. Contact me off-list if you're interested. :)

73, Jim K9YC




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[larmar]

Easy decision based on:

Great reviews I read on the K3 when researching new rigs
It is made in America
Great reputation of the Elecraft owners and support
It was available as a kit and can be upgraded with options as needed
Firmware updates
It is made in America

And, did I mention it is an American company :-)

Larry KE5MO

<quote author="Jeff Cochrane - VK4BOF">
Hi Wayne, Eric & everyone on the list,
I thought that perhaps it was time to ask one of the most important questions ever for this mailing list,
That is: What made you decide on purchasing an Elecraft transceiver?

<snip>

[dw-4]

Went for the K2.
The K3 was not in production at that time.
But even if it was, I would go for the K2.

Went for it because of 3 reasons.
1st: and Top reason -  receiver specs.
2nd: Unit size - Its not a desk hog :)
3rd: Kit form makes for enticing price structure

I'm really glad I did!
I have had a number of inferior rigs for many years of shoe-string cw
only operation.
The K2 has raised my fun-meter significantly :)

The designing under-the-hood is the product of genius! IMHO

tnx for asking
N1BBR
--
 [hidden email]

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[Andrew Moore-3]

K2: High performance simplicity, with emphasis on CW
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[Phillip Lontz]

1: Performance
2: Upgrade path 
3: Affordable entry
4: Affordable add ons
5: Support by phone of email
6: Never goes "out of date"
7: Kit
8: Made in USA
9: and last but Not least...BIG FUN !

I list these in not in order but as I thought of them.

I would like you guys to build a cool antenna analyzer kit. Maybe it could work with a laptop via wifi. 
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[Terry Schieler]

Wow.  I just realized that I am an apparent exception to all of the reasons
given for climbing on board the Elecraft express.

I didn't even know what a K2 was when I bought one and built it in the late
'90's.  I have been a kit builder for 53 years and became frustrated that
few new kits were available in our industry.  So I bought the K2.

I was not a contester and knew nothing about the K2's performance
capabilities.  I knew nothing of Wayne's and Eric's passion for engineering
excellence and wonderful customer service.  I knew nothing about the
outstanding support personnel in Aptos.  I knew nothing of the fine group of
people on this reflector.  I simkply wanted to melt some solder and build
something.

Glad I did.  Since then I have become aware of all the greatness of "all
things Elecraft".  My purchases of all the mini modules, the K3 and the P3
were a natural progression.  (I even bought the shirt).

Keep 'em coming, guys!

Terry, W0FM





-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Rodgers [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 10:38 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Reason for choosing Elecraft

Hi All, a couple reasons that stand out for me are that I like or love width
and shift and if you notice all or most other rigs have done away with them.
Oh yeah, their replaced by lo/ high cut or dual passband tuning. A lot of
elecrafters say that it's not needed on ssb that lo/ hi cut is much easier
on ssb ( not cw) but that don't CUT it for me. Pun intended. I really like
the fact that the shift is numbered. I have a little chart with which shift
works best with corresponding width.

2. I like the idea of narrow roofing filters although havnt proven their
$130 value on ssb and I find myself using a width of 1.6 a lot on ssb.

3. I like the idea of being able to use a multitude of different microphones
and not having to shell out $150-$200 on a good mic.

73
Mike R
K3 5047

Sent from my spy ring

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[Jim Wiley-2]

Interesting reply.  I am much the same - had not heard of Elecraft or
their support, was not familiar with the history of Wayne and Eric,
etc.   Bought a unassembled "rev.A" K2 from eBay, at the urging of Jim,
AL7FS - a noted QRP guru.  Purchased the necessary items to make it a
"rev.B" during assembly, plus added the SSB and NB options.    
Eventually  went "whole hog" and added all the options except for the 60
meter kit.  Built the KPA100 + KAT100 into a separate EC2 enclosure, as
many others have done.


Now the K2 + 100 is my portable and backup rig, plus I have shown it to
several local hams who have since bought their own K2 in various forms.


Very happy with the rig, even though it is not my primary set - I still
use my Mark 5 as the "main" station.  The K2 +100  is a perfect "second"
station, as well as a ready to go emergency rig (in the basic 10 watt
form), what with it's internal battery and all.  Someday I will get a K3
(and the shirt), but not soon.   Have other priorities at the moment.


- Jim, KL7CC



Terry Schieler wrote:

> Wow.  I just realized that I am an apparent exception to all of the reasons
> given for climbing on board the Elecraft express.
>
> I didn't even know what a K2 was when I bought one and built it in the late
> '90's.  I have been a kit builder for 53 years and became frustrated that
> few new kits were available in our industry.  So I bought the K2.
>
> I was not a contester and knew nothing about the K2's performance
> capabilities.  I knew nothing of Wayne's and Eric's passion for engineering
> excellence and wonderful customer service.  I knew nothing about the
> outstanding support personnel in Aptos.  I knew nothing of the fine group of
> people on this reflector.  I simkply wanted to melt some solder and build
> something.
>
> Glad I did.  Since then I have become aware of all the greatness of "all
> things Elecraft".  My purchases of all the mini modules, the K3 and the P3
> were a natural progression.  (I even bought the shirt).
>
> Keep 'em coming, guys!
>
> Terry, W0FM
>
>
>  

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[Dan Atchison]

 
Two things.

1. I owned an FT-2000.  What a waste of a radio.
2. Peer pressure!  Now I owe so many!

Dan -- N3ND
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[Rick Stealey]

Two reasons:
1).  Disgusted with rigs that were made for 15 years or so with terrible key clicks that the manufacturer ignored.  
When you try to get an answer in a place like Dayton you can get a cap, a smile, a catalog and a bow but not
an answer.  And their big time competitor builds rigs where the display goes bad (756) and they shrug their
shoulders when you ask "What do I do now?" and they hand you a catalog.
2).  Then you go to Elecrafts booth and you not only meet the owners, the designers, the software engineer,
the staff support, and they know precisely what they are talking about.  They are responsive, calm,
cool-as-can-be, and they are NICE!!!!  And they take TIME to be sure you are satisfied.  And they are genuine,
and honest.  And they do what they say they will do.  And they speak English, eloquently too I might add.
Any questions?

Rick  K2XT

Oh I should mention - and the K3 digs right down into the canyons next to those big clicky signals with
the phase noise all around them and pulls out signals.
     
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[K6LMP]

I came to the decision to buy a K3 "through the back door."  At the time I made my decision, I was operating a Yaesu FT-897D transceiver (all mode HF + 2 meter and 70 cm).  I was getting interested in VHF/UHF contesting, and looking primarily for a 222 mhz transverter to give me another band for contesting.

The reviews of the Elecraft transverter seemed interesting. As I began to prowl around the Elecraft web site and also to read about Elecraft transceivers as IF strips for VHF/UHF work, it became very clear to me that the Elecraft receiver was vastly superior to the Yaesu rig. The only choice was between a K2 (lower cost) and a K-3 (more capability). But after I added the cost of 6 meter and 2 meter transverters for the K2, the choice became clear:  K3.

I love this rig. Its flexible expandability exactly meets my budgetary needs. The receiver sensitivity and selectivity are soooo much better than the Yaesu that it's almost laughable. The only "down side" is that the transmitter is only 10 watts in my "barefoot" K3, and I have had higher priorities for expansion than the internal amplifier. (I'm contemplating an external 100 watt amp based on a Communications Concept design, and am in the midst of building a 200 watt amp from another of their kits for 6 and 2 meters.) With the addition of the PR-6 preamp for 6 meters and the internal 2 meter transverter, I have a very solid foundation for a VHF/UHF contest station. I'm also currently building the 70 cm transverter, and expect to add the 1.25 cm transverter later this year. The ability of the K3 to recognize and control multiple transverters is a big bonus.

What I like about the K3 (besides the attributes mentioned above) are its light weight and compact size.  It's slightly bigger than the FT-897, but not as heavy. Ergonomics are much better. Menu controls are much better.  Support is light-years ahead of Yaesu. The user community is large, friendly and knowledgeable.

Life is good as an Elecrafter!

Lew K6LMP



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[David F. Reed-2]

   1. My experience with my K1, KX-1 and K2 told me if it was supposed
      to be better, it would be.
   2. I wanted real diversity reception with the second receiver.
   3. Elecraft service and support.

That's what did it for me.

73 de Dave, W5SV
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[Scott Ellington]

At least 10 years ago, I saw some receiver dynamic range tests published somewhere.  This one radio blew away all the other top-end rigs.  I'd never heard of the manufacturer, so I figured it had to be one of those $20K+ commercial/military receivers.  I think it was the K2, and Elecraft got my attention.  (I think the article pre-dated the 2002 SP7HT QEX one.)

When the K3 came out, I looked into its design, and really liked what I saw.  Here was a radio that optimized the combination of analog and digital filtering, while others were attempts to cut costs by eliminating the narrow analog filters.

I really didn't need another radio, though, as the one I had was far from the limiting factor.  In the end, I couldn't resist.

I didn't realize it when I ordered the K3 last August, but you don't just buy a radio from Elecraft, you buy a whole experience.  A good one.


Scott K9MA

Scott Ellington
Madison, Wisconsin
USA



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[Carl W Clawson]

It was love it first sight.

Kevin, KD5ONS, dragged me over to the Elecraft booth at the 2007 Sea Pac
convention after I mentioned that I was looking for a new HF rig and was
considering a K2, among other choices. This was shortly after the K3 had
been announced and I hadn't heard of it yet.

Oh, I read the specs, knew about the K2's fantastic performance, etc., etc.,
and all the other reasons you've heard. But really, I was hooked the moment
I saw it. I ordered mine a few weeks later and waited eight ... long ...
months ... for it to arrive.

During the wait, I auctioned off 20 years worth of unused gear in the shack
and raised enough to pay for it!

Thanks, Kevin!

73, Carl WS7L
K3 #486
P3 # uh, don't have one yet but I'm weakening...

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[KD8NNU]

Mostly because I just wanted to build a radio and I took my chances.
Now that I have it for awhile, I realize how much I did not know as it
was not a risk at all.

Plus I liked the reflector list as it was clear that there were smart
hams who use this radio which is not what I gleaned from monitoring the
other radio mfg, lists.

Now I just need to find cash for upgrades.

Don
KD8NNU

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You are welcome Carl!

My first introduction to the K3 was at Ozarkcon the same day as Visalia.  
I was stalking N0SS and slipped into his room.  He got a call from Wayne  
who gave the go ahead to announce the new rig.  That was when Tom let me  
look on his laptop at the files about the K3.  I copied those to a USB  
drive and brought them home.  Years later I asked AB7R about the  
transverters going inside the K3.  He was taken aback and disabused me of  
the notion.  Feeling a bit squashed I mentioned the early specs showed a  
slot for them inside.  I was later vindicated when the transverters found  
their original spot.

My first introduction to Elecraft was from a magazine ad in QST.  I needed  
a rig to build and found it.  I had not been involved in amateur radio  
since the late '60s so found the world had changed.  Thinking I would  
never use CW I bought the K2 and the SSB module.  That part was fun to  
build but for some reason has never been used ;)  The K2 was used as a CPO  
for the summer and finally I squeaked by my element one test.  Somehow the  
K2 had gotten me from Tech to Extra in one exam :)

Later in the year I first met the K3 (by proxy) I was at Pacificon where I  
got to meet Eric and Wayne and the K3.  Somehow or another I fell for it  
and walked out of the venue with a sales receipt in my pocket.  I think I  
will blame it on Lisa but I know she will never testify to it :)

Thanks for the many years of fun guys!
    73,
       Kevin.  KD5ONS



On Tue, 22 Feb 2011 13:23:54 -0800, Carl Clawson  
<[hidden email]> wrote:

> It was love it first sight.
>
> Kevin, KD5ONS, dragged me over to the Elecraft booth at the 2007 Sea Pac
> convention after I mentioned that I was looking for a new HF rig and was
> considering a K2, among other choices. This was shortly after the K3 had
> been announced and I hadn't heard of it yet.
>
> Oh, I read the specs, knew about the K2's fantastic performance, etc.,  
> etc.,
> and all the other reasons you've heard. But really, I was hooked the  
> moment
> I saw it. I ordered mine a few weeks later and waited eight ... long ...
> months ... for it to arrive.
>
> During the wait, I auctioned off 20 years worth of unused gear in the  
> shack
> and raised enough to pay for it!
>
> Thanks, Kevin!
>
> 73, Carl WS7L
> K3 #486
> P3 # uh, don't have one yet but I'm weakening...
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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--
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[Will - AI4VE]

My story:

In the Spring of 2007, after a 20+ year hiatus from Ham Radio, I upgraded to Extra. I was a little out of touch on current rigs and wanted something to get started again. I ended up buying a Ten-Tec Argonaut V. I loved that rig for it's silky QSK CW ability and compact size. Even at the bottom of the cycle it's 20 watts was enough to work lots of DX with CW. The itch for more power resulted in the purchase of a used Ten-Tec Jupiter in 2008 - a very nice rig with typically fine Ten-Tec CW ability. After a very brief and less than satisfactory foray into FLEX SDRs I turned my attention to Elecraft. By now I was hearing lots of good things about Elecraft, their rigs, and their support. I liked that Elecraft had it's roots in CW and QRP.  I was impressed with the K2 receiver specs compared to anything I had experienced and wondered just how big a difference such a receiver would make. Since I wasn't confident enough to jump right into the K2 construction, I bought a K1 in Septemb
 er 2009 and had a blast building and using it. With the confidence gained from building the K1, I decided to move up to the K2 but after looking at the K2 price with preferred options I decided that there wasn't a significant price difference between a half loaded K2 and an entry K3. I decided that I just had to experience a rig with top receiver specs to see the difference for myself, so the Jupiter went on the block and I ordered a K3/10 kit with KAT3 in January 2010. What a difference! I ordered and installed the KPA3 in March. I was so thoroughly happy with Elecraft and their rigs by now that I ordered a K2 and KAT2 in August 2010. This purchase might be considered a step backwards by some, but I wanted to enjoy the K2 build experience and a dedicated QRP K2 to complement the 100W K3 made perfect sense to me. I've been drooling over the P3 and a KRX3 and think the second receiver will soon be my next addition.

To summarize:  What made me decide on purchasing an Elecraft transceiver?

1) The enjoyment of building my own radios.
2) Top receiver specs at an affordable price.
3) Modularity that permits buying only what you need until you need more.
4) Life is too short not to buy and enjoy Elecraft equipment.

Thanks to Wayne, Eric, Lyle, et al - keep up the good work.

Will
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[Tony Estep]

Well, I dunno.* *I have a K1, a KX1, a K2 and a K3, so there must be some
reason.

In the case of the K3 it's easy to explain. Although I'm sort of a casual
operator, my main interest when I do operate is DX. I had an FT1000MP MKV,
which was the DX radio of its day, but I got it into my head that new
technology would do better against the miserable RF noise that often plagues
the bands hereabouts. The K3 was the obvious choice, since it was the only
radio made that promised to be superior to the MKV. This did indeed prove to
be the case. It outperforms the MKV in several ways: better DSP, much better
auto-tuner, better keyer, diversity reception. Maybe now the FT5000 is up
there at the top of the heap along with the K3, but it sorta offends my
esthetic sensibility to have a radio the size and weight of a Volkswagen --
so the K3 is still the only choice.

Tony KT0NY
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[wayne burdick]

I'm on a little 2-day vacation up in Bear Valley, CA, with Lillian and the kids. I'm not allowed to work, but I've really enjoyed reading this thread. (Who wouldn't?)

Thanks, everyone.... With your help, we hope our future products will also earn such praise.

73,
Wayne
N6KR
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[Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA]

CONTENTS DELETED

The author has deleted this message.

[k6dgw]

Hey Jeff,

Did the ZL earthquake affect any of you?

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2011 Cal QSO Party 1-2 Oct 2011
- www.cqp.org

On 2/22/2011 3:22 PM, Jeff Cochrane - VK4BOF wrote:
> Hi Wayne,
> I am glad I started it as it has been an interesting read.
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